4.65 SEC

12 REPS

32.5 INCH

119.0 INCH

7.15 SEC

4.35 SEC

Overview

2013: Honorable mention All-SEC pick after playing and starting in 10 games. Had an interception in bowl game against Iowa. 2012: Played in and started 12 games. 2011: Played in 10 games with no starts. 2010: Played in all 13 games with two starts. 2009: Played in two games on special teams before suffering a wrist injury. Received a medical redshirt. High school: Was the No. 1-ranked safety by Rivals.com. Was a first-team all-state pick while playing defensive back and wide receiver.

Analysis

Strengths

Very well-distributed weight -- packs it well. Good eyes and anticipation. Is aggressive playing the ball in front of him in zone coverage and buzzes quickly to the flat. Good route recognition. Can carry receivers deep and match up with tight ends in man coverage. Steps downhill and can secure open-field tackles. Is tough, sacrifices his body and will deliver some jarring hits. Helps line up the defense and make adjustments. Is noticeably the vocal leader of the secondary (very animated communicator). Versatile with good interchangeability. Gunner and jammer on special teams. Has NFL pedigree. Smart, hardworking and accountable. Very good football intelligence.

Weaknesses

Has short arms. Shows some hip tightness that restricts transitional quickness. Tends to rise in his pedal. Gives up separation in man coverage vs. receivers. Will seek the kill shot and can be overaggressive running the alley supporting the run. Can do a better job of driving through contact (not lunging and leaving his feet). Has a spotted injury history and has regularly missed time most years (though he is quick to rehabilitate).

Draft Projection

Rounds 2-3

Bottom Line

A big, hard-hitting, vocal secondary leader who showed better as a junior lining up along a more talented secondary next to Eric Reid than he did as a senior. However, still possesses starter-caliber traits as an interchangeable safety most ideally suited playing in the box.
-Nolan Nawrocki